Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-08-01
The Liquor Problem.

In a recent discussion upon TINS SUBJECT,
the Rev. S. G. Cummings of Bridgton
made the following statements:
"Anyone who reads must be aware of two
facts concerning the liquor question; first,
that there is a great increase in tempera ce
effort and the number of abstainers through
out the country; and, second, that the
amount Of liquor drank per capita is also on
the increase. Some liquor dealers say that
the increase of the traffic is caused by the
prohibitory laws, but the fallacy of this can
be easily shown. Others say that it is be-
cause the world is growing worse But the
world was never as good as it is to day. Yet
while the world is constantly growing better,
the amount of liquor drinking is increasing.
We shall find that one great reason for this
fact is to be found in our civilization. 1t
changes the nervous temperament of people
and they seek the nearest relief, which they
find in drink. The increase in liquor drink
ing is found in belt extending around the
earth, and including the United States But
as we 90 faster in everything else so we go
faster in intemperance."
Az the fist glance, it might seem that
these two statements. that temperance
effort was on the increase and also that
consumption OF liquor was on the increase,
were Incompatible. In regard to the
first there is no doubt at all. Temperance
is now the topic of discussion in states
where ten years ago, it would not have
been thought of. 1t is one of the issues
in nearly every State election, in some
form or other.
The second statement, "that the amount
of liquor drank, per capita, is also on the
increase" is also true and is explained by
the following statistics which appeared in
an editorial of the Journal of May ID:
The estimate of the liquor consuming popu
lation is placed at IA 900 900, out of a pos
sible population of 5S 100000 This number
of people have consumed during the past year
for all purposes. drinking, mechanical, ar
and medicinal. ~, POI GA gallons Of spirits
642 967 720 gallons of beer, 4.T00,000 gallons
of imported wine and II 500, 1893 gallons Of
domestic wines. The estimate for 1888 was
1882, 6S7 gallons Of spirits, 55l 400 BAT
gallons of beer, S,372, l52 gallons of imported
wine and II ,406, OPS gallons of domestic wine
A comparison shows an increase of the con
sumption of matt liquors by 81 ,470,3S0 gallons
but a decrease in distilled liquors of 1902.
$50. Yet there should be taken into account
the increase of the population, and especially
that class of population who immigrate Il
this country with the habits of drinking al
ready formed. and it will be seen that the in
crease in beer drinking is partially and well &C
counted for. The decrease in the con
sumption of distilled liquors may be assigned
To the influence OF temperance aeitsuor
Among those whose residence may have sub
iected them to its educational effects; but II
s.lf kl,.,A rh itsvtrf To
LIQUORS are being substituted for the mor'
ardent spirits used for stimulating purposes
These two statements then are II
harmony with each other and cannot b,
considered otherwise. Aud also the
further statement of Mr.. Cumming
that, although drinking is increasing, thu
world is growing better; for liquor con
sumers are shown to be sustaining iron
the use OF the more fiery stimulants.
may be urged that the quality is made u
by the quantity; but this objection is an
swered bv the fact that the consumption
of malt liquors, such as beers, is principal
lv bv the German and other foreign ele
ments of population. There is of cours
an increase OF the consumption OF bee
among the Yankee population but not $
much as to afford a point in argument
The abstainers which Mr.. Cumming
speaks of are to be found among the latte
class. Viewed in this light the reason as
signed by him for the increase of consumE
tion is shown to be erroneous
He opposes the opinion OF tn
medical fraternity. Civilization hs
not yet changed the human constitu
ton TO so great an extent as to cause sue
general weakening of the nervous sy:
tenn as he describes. And neither doe
intemperance keep pace with the rapi
= movements of civilization in the drectio
indicated. Temperance rather is keepin